Screening for safety: predicting violence concerns among detained individuals in the Netherlands using the Risk Screener Violence (RS-V)

Abstract

The occurrence of violence has significant consequences for victims, their families and friends, society, and the perpetrators themselves, making its prevention crucial for safety and rehabilitation. This PhD thesis evaluates the Risk Screener Violence (RS-V), a screening tool designed for Dutch prison practice to estimate concerns regarding future violent behavior of detained individuals. Both retrospective data from digital prison records and prospective data from real-life prison practice were analyzed. The RS-V showed strong predictive validity for violent incidents within prison practice and violent offending within the community after release. The tool seems valuable in distinguishing which individuals are more likely to display violent behavior, both inside and outside prison. In addition, prison staff generally reported positive experiences with the RS-V, noting its utility and ease of use. However, they also identified areas for improvement, such as the implementation of follow-up measures. Screening for violence concerns early on during detention allows for more effective triage towards extensive risk assessment and tailored interventions, improving safety in both the prison setting and the community. ​​​​​​​